Gatineau’s crew called Ottawa fire to help with Deschênes Rapids rescue
Posted Aug 7, 2026 11:46:23 AM.
Last Updated Aug 7, 2026 11:50:45 AM.
Fire crews from Ottawa went out into the river to rescue two people who were stuck on the rapids.
According to officials, Gatineau Fire Services called the team in the nation’s capital for help after a report of two people who needed rescuing. They were in the Deschênes Rapids near the 2700 block of Cassels Street.
When Ottawa firefighters got there they found two paddleboarders in the rapids.
Two teams launched boats, one was below the rapids and the second above.
One firefighter went into the water to swim to the stranded paddleboarders. Both people were helped into a boat and brought back to shore.
“The Deschênes Rapids remain the most frequent location for rescues by our Water Rescue Teams,” a message from officials reads. “We remind everyone heading out on the water to be aware of where rapids are located and the serious dangers they can pose.”
The infamous spot along the river is the Deschênes Rapids near Britannia Beach. The unsuspecting area is between the city and Gatineau and has been the site of several fatal drownings and many rescues for firefighters.
